Yanai Gili Air

Yanai brings contemporary Japanese cuisine and inventive sushi artistry to Gili Air. Combining skilled Japanese culinary techniques with an intimate island setting, the restaurant offers a refined dining experience where food presentation, atmosphere and attention to detail are central to the experience.

Japanese sushi art meets local island influences, while the menu offers a combination of sushi, sashimi, nigiri, ramen, tempura and katsu. Yanai’s approach is designed for guests who appreciate Japanese cuisine but also want a dining experience that feels distinctive within the relaxed atmosphere of Gili Air.

An intimate Japanese dining space

Yanai’s interior moves away from the bright and minimalist design often associated with casual sushi restaurants.

Built using bamboo and cement, the restaurant has a darker and more intimate atmosphere, enhanced by soft lighting. Local design elements are incorporated throughout the space while maintaining an unmistakably Japanese identity.

The main dining area is centred around a long communal table, encouraging guests to enjoy a social and relaxed dining experience together. There is also a smaller table seating up to six guests, offering a more private option for families or groups of friends.

A cosy lounge area facing the street provides another space to relax, while the restaurant can also accommodate small gatherings and celebrations.

Two open kitchens

Yanai places the culinary process at the centre of the dining experience with two fully equipped open kitchens.

The hot kitchen prepares dishes including ramen, tempura and katsu, while a dedicated sushi kitchen focuses on the restaurant’s sushi and other cold dishes.

This layout allows diners to experience more of the preparation and craftsmanship behind Japanese cuisine.

Sushi, sashimi and Japanese specialities

Sushi is at the heart of Yanai’s menu. Diners can choose from salmon, tuna and scallop nigiri, as well as sashimi and maki rolls.

One of the featured dishes is Chirashi, while the menu also includes a vegetarian sushi platter for guests looking for plant-based options.

Beyond sushi, Yanai offers a variety of Japanese dishes, including miso ramen, cold soba noodles, tempura and katsu. Guests looking for a more substantial option can choose the Black Angus striploin katsu.

Starters include sautéed edamame, while matcha cake provides a Japanese-inspired finish to the meal.

Carefully selected ingredients and details

Yanai’s attention to detail extends beyond the presentation of its food.

Ingredients such as miso and selected fish are sourced directly from Japan, while fresh wasabi comes from Java.

The restaurant also brings this attention to detail into its table presentation. Each menu is intricately hand-painted, while dinner service tableware is handpicked and sourced directly from Tokyo. This includes the ramen bowls and even the small dishes used for soy sauce.

Sake, cocktails and a special dining experience

Yanai has a well-stocked bar serving beer, wine and a selection of sake. Japanese-inspired cocktails are also given a tropical twist, connecting the restaurant’s Japanese identity with its island location.

For guests looking for a more immersive experience, Yanai offers a multi-course set menu with sake pairing and a matcha ceremony.

With contemporary Japanese cuisine, carefully prepared sushi, dedicated open kitchens and an intimate design, Yanai offers a distinctive dining experience for Japanese food lovers visiting Gili Air.